Microlipophrys velifer (Norman, 1935)
Microlipophrys velifer
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies), subfamily: Salariinae
Max. size:  5.78 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: off west Africa from Senegal and Cape Verde to the Cunene River, Angola.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 16-18; Vertebrae: 34-34
Biology:  Adults inhabit the rocky intertidal zone of sheltered and exposed shores. Males occupy tightly fitting bore holes in the rocks. Females were never seen in such holes except when spawning (Ref. 11117). Oviparous. Eggs are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 205), and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal (Ref. 94114). Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters (Ref. 94114).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Recorded from São Tomé Island based on a collection by Peter Wirtz near São Tomé city in tidal rock pools (SMNS 13131, 17 spec) (Ref. 34088).


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.